The excitement that invariably comes with May birding has
been building up all week at Presqu’ile Provincial Park. Inevitably, there have been both rare and
uncommon birds among the hordes of expected species. If favourable weather conditions prevail, the
first flocks of BRANT can be expected within the next few days.

A pair of GADWALLS
continue to be seen off the north shore of Gull Island. Two NORTHERN PINTAILS and up to 18
GREEN-WINGED TEAL have also been in Popham Bay. Among diving ducks, a male CANVASBACK was there yesterday. Three SURF SCOTERS were off the lighthouse on
Saturday. Single RED-THROATED LOONS were
in Popham Bay on each of the past three days. HORNED and RED-NECKED GREBES have been in the open water of the lake. As yet, no one has reported any LEAST
BITTERNS or rails, which are undoubtedly hiding in the marsh. A BALD EAGLE was seen on Saturday and a
PEREGRINE FALCON on Sunday and Wednesday. Both of the falcons were adults and the sightings were at opposite ends
of the Park. Someone reported a SANDHILL
CRANE last Friday. A SEMIPALMATED PLOVER
was at Owen Point on Tuesday and two GREATER YELLOWLEGS were on the beach
yesterday. An ICELAND GULL on Friday
and a GLAUCOUS GULL on three different days (including today) were late, as was
a SNOWY OWL on May 2. Owls and other
nocturnal birds found at Presqu’ile in the past week include BARRED OWL,
NORTHERN SAW-WHET OWL, and EASTERN WHIP-POOR-WILL.

Surprisingly, only one RUBY-THROATED HUMMINGBIRD has been
seen so far. A COMMON RAVEN was found
again this week. BLUE-GRAY GNATCATCHERS
appear to be building a nest at the lighthouse parking lot. A vociferous NORTHERN MOCKINGBIRD co-operated
nicely for several birders today. It was
also present yesterday. Sixteen warbler species have appeared in the past week,
including singles of GOLDEN-WINGED, HOODED, CAPE MAY, and YELLOW-THROATED
WARBLERS. The latter species has been
seen only once before at Presqu’ile, and the HOODED WARBLER is not often seen
more than once in a year. On May 6, an
AMERICAN TREE SPARROW was rather late. A
GRASSHOPPER SPARROW was reported from the marsh boardwalk. The first LINCOLN’S SPARROW appeared
today. A few BOBOLINKS arrived at the
lighthouse yesterday morning. An
anonymous report of a BREWER’S BLACKBIRD requires more details before being
added to the Park’s records, as there are only two previous records. The first ORCHARD ORIOLE arrived
yesterday. A male HOUSE SPARROW visited
a feeder twice this week.

To reach Presqu'ile Provincial Park, follow the signs from
Brighton. Locations within the Park are shown on a map at the back of a tabloid
that is available at the Park gate. Access to the offshore islands is
restricted at this time of year to prevent disturbance to the colonial nesting
birds there.

Birders are encouraged to record their observations on the
bird sightings board provided near the campground office by The Friends of
Presqu'ile Park and to fill out a rare bird report for species not listed
there.

Questions and comments about bird sightings at Presqu'ile
may be directed to: FHELLEINER@TRENTU.CA.